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Cult California

It is nearly impossible to know who coined the term “Cult Wine” nor when it was coined. The precise definition of the term has been debated for years. That debate seems to be an established pastime among wine writers, in wine publications, on blogs, at online wine forums, and among enthusiasts. What can be said with assurance is that “Cult Wines” exist, they are among us and they are coveted. We decided it was time to create our own WineBid Cult California category, and we found that Cult Wines all seem to have the following qualitites.

1. Current and past vintages all sell for prices higher than the winery release price
2. They are wines that have regularly received very high ratings and glowing reviews from wine critics
3. The wines are sold almost exclusively from the wineries directly to consumers.
4. There is almost always a waiting list to be able to obtain an allocation of the wine.

Enjoy the following Cult Wines available in this week's auction below.

1995 Harlan Estate The Maiden

RP  90   
ST  90   

1996 Marcassin Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

RP  96   
WS  96   
ST  93+    

1996 Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir

Light capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; light label condition issue

RP  97   
WS  96   
ST  94+    

1996 Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir

RP  97   
WS  96   
ST  94+    

1997 Marcassin Three Sisters Vineyard Sea Ridge Meadow Pinot Noir

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; light label condition issue

1998 Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

RP  93   
ST  91   

1999 Bond Matriarch

Light label condition issue

WS  93   
RP  91   

2000 Colgin Tychson Hill Cabernet Sauvignon

WS  96   
ST  93   
RP  92   

2001 Harlan Estate The Maiden

Light label condition issue

WE  98   
RP  93   
ST  91   

2001 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

RP  97   
WS  94   
ST  93+    

2001 Marcassin Three Sisters Vineyard Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

RP  93-95   
ST  90   

2001 Marcassin Three Sisters Vineyard Pinot Noir

RP  93-95   
ST  90   

2003 Colgin IX Estate Proprietary Red

Heavy label condition issue

WE  98   
RP  96+    
ST  93   
WS  90   

2003 Colgin IX Estate Proprietary Red

Lightly depressed cork

WE  98   
RP  96+    
ST  93   
WS  90   

2004 Harlan Estate The Maiden

Light label condition issue

WE  97   
RP  95   
WS  94   
ST  91   

2004 Harlan Estate The Maiden

WE  97   
RP  95   
WS  94   
ST  91   

2004 Harlan Estate The Maiden

Light label condition issue

WE  97   
RP  95   
WS  94   
ST  91   

2004 Harlan Estate The Maiden

WE  97   
RP  95   
WS  94   
ST  91   

2004 Harlan Estate The Maiden

Light label condition issue

WE  97   
RP  95   
WS  94   
ST  91   

2004 Harlan Estate The Maiden

Light label condition issue

WE  97   
RP  95   
WS  94   
ST  91   

2004 Harlan Estate The Maiden

Light label condition issue

WE  97   
RP  95   
WS  94   
ST  91   

2004 Harlan Estate The Maiden

WE  97   
RP  95   
WS  94   
ST  91   

2004 Realm Farella Vineyard Red Wine

1.5ltr

ST  92+    
RP  91   

2005 Bond Melbury

Light label condition issue

RP  94   
ST  92-94   
WS  90   

2007 Harlan Estate The Maiden

Light label condition issue

RP  93   
WS  93   
ST  92